Adam Boyd's goals propelled managerless Hartlepool into the play-offs and two more prime examples of the striker's craft here last night ensured they will start as favourites in Tuesday's second leg at Prenton Park.

If Tranmere - who saw Eugene Dadi's last-minute shot somehow cleared off the line by Matty Robson - are to qualify for a Cardiff final against either Sheffield Wednesday or Brentford it will represent one of the biggest feats of Brian Little's managerial career.

Brought up a few miles down the road in Peterlee, Little, was once tipped for great things, even being hyped as a potential England manager. Back in the days when he was in charge of Aston Villa, a Friday night League One play-off at a blustery Victoria Park would have seemed a huge come down.

At least life with Tranmere is a little more settled than at Hartlepool, who recently parted company with Neale Cooper. His deputy Martin Scott has taken over for the moment and wants the job long term but faces competition from Cooper's predecessor, Chris Turner.

Scott's chances can only have been enhanced by Boyd. The 28th goal of a prolific campaign originated with a long throw from Ritchie Humphreys, the goal featuring Boyd swivelling adroitly to connect with Jon Daly's flick on before placing his shot beyond John Achterberg's reach.

Boyd scored his second after 68 minutes after playing a clever one-two with Joel Porter and curving home an audacious left-foot shot from 20 yards.